This past weekend Michigan State was able to host numerous top prospects, including Rivals 100 and All-American defensive lineman Anthony Zettel of Ogemaw Heights High School in Michigan. The 6-foot-4, 255-pound Zettel is looking closely at several Big Ten powerhouse programs and he provided SpartanMag.com with some insight on his recruitment and his thoughts on Saturday's visit.

As many know, Zettel is one of the top players in the country for the class of 2011. Rivals.com ranks him as a 4-star recruit and the #65 player in the nation. They also rank him teh #4 strong-side defensive end. SpartanMag.ocm rates him as the #3 player in Michigan for the class of 2011, behind only Lawrence Thomas and DeAnthony Arnett.

Zettel was in East Lansing on Saturday checking out the Michigan State versus Notre Dame contest and he came away impressed with what he saw.

"It was an amazing game to be at," Zettel stated. "I think that Michigan State is starting to become a very good team. I was able to have some small talk with a lot of the recruits at the game. "

As many are aware of, Zettel grew up cheering for the Maize and Blue of Michigan. However, he is keeping his options open and is looking for the school that affords him the best opportunity athletically, academically and socially. For that reason, he is taking frequent visits to his top schools such as Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State and Iowa.

SpartanMag.com asked Zettel about what he is looking for in a college and does he plan on taking official visits later this fall?

"Good education, good college atmosphere, good coaches, teammates that act as a family and a great football team that is on the rise," Zettel said. "I plan on taking some visits, but I am not sure about the exact dates as of yet. I will probably visit Penn State and Iowa and maybe Michigan or Michigan State."

Zettel was invited to participate in the prestigious U.S. Army All-American Game down in San Antonio, Texas. However, like many Michigan prospects over the years, he will be unable to participate due to MHSAA rules. Zettel is one of the top shot and discus throwers in the Midwest and does not want to impact his track eligibility. He also is a solid basketball player as well.

As far as his senior season at Ogemaw Heights, Zettel had the following to say.

"It is going alright; we are 2-2, but lost 2 close games. Their is a lot of room for improvement though, so hopefully we can pick it up. I have not been playing close to as good as I can. I suffered a foot injury prior to the season which has not allowed me to play to my full ability. It is getting better and it should be fully healed in a week or so."

SpartanMag.com will continue to follow-up with Zettel in the coming weeks. Michigan State would certainly love to add a player of his ability to the class of 2011. Zettel plays a position the Spartan staff is still looking to address for this recruiting class.

Beating out his childhood favorite as well as quality programs such Penn state and Iowa will not be an easy task, but winning games and having him on campus to interact with coaches, players and other incoming recruits certainly cannot hurt their chances. Zettel is looking for a program on the rise, come December the Big Ten landscape will certainly provide him with more data to use in his decision making process.